In our Plan to Build Your Future we’re looking at ways we can improve the lives of all Tasmanians and take Tasmania to the next level. This week we have made some important progress.
We’ve announced that we will deliver two brand new Spirit of Tasmania vessels in 2021 – two years ahead of schedule, which will have a much larger passenger and freight capacity.
Premier Hodgman: “This is an absolute game changer for the North-West – the region benefits more than any other from the visitors whose journey to our state starts on the Spirits. This means more visitors, more visitor spending and more jobs. Every sailing also means a greater capacity for our primary producers to get their produce to market.”
Together with the Australian Government we announced the commencement of works on the $30 million North Esk Irrigation Scheme.
Minister Rockliff: “The roll out of irrigation schemes across the state is a key part of our Sustainable Agri-Food Plan to grow the value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050. The North Esk Irrigation scheme will deliver a reliable water source and allow for the expansion of horticulture, viticulture, mixed cropping and intensive livestock grazing.”
As Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff also launched our Sustainable Industry Growth Plan for the salmon industry, which supports 5200 jobs across the state.
Minister Rockliff: “We want to make sure our world-class salmon industry continues to grow sustainably, is managed through strong independent regulation and is supported by the community. This plan gets the balance right and has taken on board community concerns.”
With his Education hat on Minister Rockliff announced the Hodgman Liberal Government’s expectation that all high schools will extend to year 12 by 2022.
Minister Rockliff: “The facts are in, the TCE achievement rate is up by almost 10 percent since we came to government. Retention rates and enrolments at extension schools are also on the rise, we want to see that continue. Colleges will remain open and in many cases partner with specific schools, we have seen that students want choice and it’s making a real difference.”
Education was a significant focus this week with a $20 million redevelopment of Penguin High School announced which will see kindergarten to year 12 offered on the one site. There are similar consolidation plans at Sorell High with a $22 million redevelopment planned which will increase capacity to 850 students in one of Tasmania’s fastest growing areas.
Minister Rockliff: “We are continuing our commitment to upgrade school infrastructure. For some schools consolidating learning onto one site makes sense, creating a smoother transition for students between primary and high school and a single drop off point for parents.”
These are just some of the ways that the Hodgman Liberal Government has been working on your behalf this week to make Tasmania an even better place to live.